News In Brief

August 19, 2013

MESOPOTAMIA - Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers are investigating a Sunday afternoon crash involving three vehicles on state Route 87.

A Ford Explorer driven by Wade A. Sunnafrank, 63, of Cambridge, first struck a Pontiac Grand Prix driven by Barry D. Bulford, 49, of Warren, according to a release from the patrol's Warren post.

After the Explorer struck the Pontiac, the SUV then struck a 2009 Kawasaki motorcycle driven by Sean Crean, 41, of Niles, as he was slowing to turn left onto Bundysburg Road.

A passenger on the motorcycle, Angela Lenart, 41, of Howland, was flown by LifeFlight MedEvac helicopter to Cleveland Metro Hospital for treatment. She was not wearing a helmet, the patrol reports.

Sunnafrank was cited for failing to stop within assured clear distance. Preliminary investigation indicates that alcohol was not a factor in the crash.

Assisting troopers at the scene were Mesopotamia Township EMS and fire crews.

Plane registered in Youngstown crashes

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Two people were killed when a single-engine and locally registered plane crashed at a small airport near downtown Kansas City.

The single-engine Mooney crashed shortly after taking off Sunday afternoon from the Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport, reports state. No other injuries were reported.

The victims' identities haven't been released.

Lynn Lunsford, spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration, said the pilot reported engine trouble shortly after departing the airport. He said the plane crashed about a quarter mile from the airport. FAA records show the plane was registered to Air McRoyal of Youngstown.

Lunsford said investigators were headed to the scene.

Wheeler Airport, located just west of downtown Kansas City, is used largely by corporate and recreational flyers.

Howland to address Bolindale area issues

HOWLAND - The Howland Township Zoning Commission will hold a work session at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the township hall to discuss potential modifications to the zoning resolution.

Zoning Inspector Kim Mascarella said the commission will discuss short-term zoning changes to encourage investment in the Bolindale neighborhood.

She said the commission also will examine residential accessory uses.

Gun safe sent to Ohio man filled with pot

SIDNEY - Authorities in Shelby County say a man who ordered a gun safe online opened it up only to discover 280 pounds of marijuana inside.

Shelby County Sheriff John Lenhart in western Ohio said the safe was made in Nogales, Mexico, and that it was sent by truck to Ohio.

He said the marijuana has a street value of $420,000.

Federal authorities who are investigating say the truck driver who brought the shipment into the United States is now missing.